People of the Lightning takes us to ancient Florida, to a village of fisher folk who must face their deepest fear: Pondwader, now a lanky boy of fifteen summers. He is the White Lightning Boy--the first of his kind to be born in tens of tens of summers. His white hair, pink eyes, and pale skin make him fearsome enough, but legends foretell that a Lightning Boy will make SiPeople of the Lightning takes us to ancient Florida, to a village of fisher folk who must face their deepest fear: Pondwader, now a lanky boy of fifteen summers. He is the White Lightning Boy--the first of his kind to be born in tens of tens of summers. His white hair, pink eyes, and pale skin make him fearsome enough, but legends foretell that a Lightning Boy will make Sister Moon bury her face in the clouds and weep falling stars--and the winds of destruction will be unleashed.

The folk manage to trade him in marriage to Musselwhite, a woman warrior who does not really want him. She must face an old enemy who has captured her beloved husband, an enemy who is determined to destroy her. What good to her is this soft-hearted youth? She has yet to learn that Pondwader is a Lightning Boy. He can hear voices in the wind, telling of coming horror.......more

Community Reviews

People of the Lightning (North America's Forgotten Past, #7)Gear, W. MichaelGear, Kathleen O'neal A divergent story from the normal formula of "people" series... Don't worry fans you still have a found object "Turtle bone doll", and you still have a fantastic story with loveable characters. The divergence of the story is that the story is "told" by an elder, orally. It’s a hilarious break in the story as the elder loses his train of thought and suggests other stories he has not yet related. It iPeople of the Lightning (North America's Forgotten Past, #7)Gear, W. MichaelGear, Kathleen O'neal A divergent story from the normal formula of "people" series... Don't worry fans you still have a found object "Turtle bone doll", and you still have a fantastic story with loveable characters. The divergence of the story is that the story is "told" by an elder, orally. It’s a hilarious break in the story as the elder loses his train of thought and suggests other stories he has not yet related. It is a unique aspect of the story that makes it so memorable.

Musslewhite is a War Leader of the Windy Cove Village, devastated by continual raids and attacks on the village, and its warriors, by her ex-lover (husband) Cottonmouth.

Cottonmouth is a ruthless, domineering personality that wants to bring destruction to the world. Cottonmouth in revenge and political domination has attacked all neighboring villages in an attempt to either exterminate the people apposing his beliefs, or incorporating him in his tribe.

Diver is Musslewhites husband for the past 25 years, after fathering 12 of her children, the devastation of the village and a final attack has left them with only 2 children left.

Pondwader our hero and dreamer of the story is unique story a true albino, white skinned, white haired and pink eyed. Pondwader is nearly blind, restricted to long robes for his fair skin clumsy in his travels. But by the visits of Turtle bone doll learns to become one of the greatest dreamers of his time as he learns to flash thunder and heal the world around him.

The supporting cast of characters brings humor and intimate moments as the struggle for the survival of the world hangs in the balance.

Character listPeople of the Lightning

Musslewhite: War Leader and matron of Windy Cove Village. Renowned warrior and great leader of her tribe. Married to Diver, divorced from Cottonmouth, and married Pondwader when she believed Diver was dead on the war path.

Seedpod: Musslewhite’s father. The Seedpod is the closest person to Musslewhite, Spirit Elder of his village.

Thornboy: Musslewhite’s youngest son six years old. Son of Diver.

Diver: Musslewhite’s husband, believed to be dead on an attack on the scouting party, tortured by Cottonmouth in his attempt to change him against feelings for Musslewhite.

Cottonmouth: a false dreamer, spirit elder of his group, has a corrupted vision of the worlds end and wants to destroy the world.

Glade: the infant son of Musslewhite and Cottonmouth, who was dying of illness when his mother killed him to protect him.

Pondwader: albino boy who is beginning to be a dreamer, the legendary Lightning boy, who would destroy the world.

Kelp: Pondwader’s sister.

Matron Moonsnail: matron of the Heartwood village, grandmother of Kelp and Pondwader, mother of Dark Rain.

Diamonback: Son of Musslewhite and Diver, wounded when his father is kidnapped by Cottonmouth. He was injured in the attack on the scouting party.

Beaverpaw: ex –war leader of Heartwood Village seduced by Dark Rain

Bowfin: a warrior for Heartwood Village, seduced by Dark Rain

Dark Rain: an Outcast woman who gambles and whores, until her debts are more then she can pay, then trades on the honor of her family, gave Pondwader to Musslewhite to cover her own debts.

Dogtooth: an old dreamer, teacher of Pondwader. An odd hermit that speaks to spirits, and spiders.

This is probably the oddest book of the series so far. The 7th book, it isn't necessary to read any of the others before reading this one, it doesn't even really reference too much from any of the other books. But it certainly has a weird plotline and characters.

Pondwader was born special. He is a lightning boy, which is what his people call albinos. To satisfy a debt, he is married to a warrior woman of a neighboring village. But she has some problems of her own and doesn't really want to dragThis is probably the oddest book of the series so far. The 7th book, it isn't necessary to read any of the others before reading this one, it doesn't even really reference too much from any of the other books. But it certainly has a weird plotline and characters.

Pondwader was born special. He is a lightning boy, which is what his people call albinos. To satisfy a debt, he is married to a warrior woman of a neighboring village. But she has some problems of her own and doesn't really want to drag around a new husband, although she does care for him. Her village has been attacked and her first husband taken, and she has to go save him. Pondwader's destiny is tied up with hers and he needs to go with her, despite the consequences.

Pondwader has no filter. He loves almost everyone he comes in contact with, and it would seem that he loves them almost instantly. His mother is a strange character to and while she provides an antagonist at times, she's almost unbelievable in her actions. His wife, Musselwhite, is cold most of the time but at least she seems to care about her family. And his sister is probably the most well-rounded character of all. At least she's the one that acts halfways normal and seems to really care for her brother but have other interests outside of him.

I must admit, I didn't really care for the story in this book. I thought it was rushed, somewhat contrived and a lot of things never explained. You have what Pondwader's destiny is spelled out very early on, but then the ending branches off in a way you wouldn't expect and it's done a bit jumbled. There's a spiritual element to this book, and more talk of not necessarily Dreamers, but spirit destiny, but for once that was the understandable part of the book. It was the characters actions and delusions that were the inconceivable part this time. There's the usual amount of violence and sex in this book, and it is described, not just eluded to. Another flaw in the writing was the continual use of the phrase "yes, my wife" in response to his new wife. I get that he was excited to be married but it was repetitive and I think he would have called her by name a few times at least.

It sounds like I'm complaining a lot about this book and maybe it's because the previous two I had actually enjoyed. This one wasn't terrible but it did have enough flaws to sink it quite a bit lower than the previous ones.

I like the First Americans series despite my reservations about the fantasy element. I don't believe that ancient peoples were somehow in touch with a more spiritual aspect of the Universe so I find the ability of some of the characters to "see" what's going on, or even more unbelievably, predict what's going to happen via some mystical forces as total baloney. Of the series I think this was one of the best I've read so far (despite my reservations).It's Ancient Florida and the tribes are beingI like the First Americans series despite my reservations about the fantasy element. I don't believe that ancient peoples were somehow in touch with a more spiritual aspect of the Universe so I find the ability of some of the characters to "see" what's going on, or even more unbelievably, predict what's going to happen via some mystical forces as total baloney. Of the series I think this was one of the best I've read so far (despite my reservations).It's Ancient Florida and the tribes are being harassed by a powerful, mystic warrior, Cottonmouth, who has predicted the end of the world. He is linked through a tempestuous, failed marriage to a great female warrior, Musselwhite, whose tribe has been badly mauled by Cottonmouth's warriors. In order to gain allies Musselwhite ends up marrying an albino Lightning Boy, Pondwader, who is unaware of the powers that he could unleash.I know it all sounds a bit too fantastical but in fact there is quite a gripping and down-to-earth storyline which builds the characters well and comes to a thrilling finale. My only problem is - why do I keep reading Pondwader as Pondwater? ...more

As an individual book, it was quite satisfying and I would have rated it a 4 or a 5, but when compared to others in the series, it didn't strike me as worthy of a rank that high. It was a page turner all the way through, but the story just didn't linger with me when I closed the book, unlike other characters' plights in the series. I do, however, find that it is an amazing piece of work, with carefully thought out historical detail. As for the specific characters, Pondwader, with his obvious weAs an individual book, it was quite satisfying and I would have rated it a 4 or a 5, but when compared to others in the series, it didn't strike me as worthy of a rank that high. It was a page turner all the way through, but the story just didn't linger with me when I closed the book, unlike other characters' plights in the series. I do, however, find that it is an amazing piece of work, with carefully thought out historical detail. As for the specific characters, Pondwader, with his obvious weakness and hidden strengths was designed to tug at the heart strings. Musselwhite, who was quite the opposite but much the same was nothing short of the perfect protagonist. Her struggle to deny weak side an acknowledged existence did much for the strength of the tale. And though a ruthless and relentless foe, and easily despised on the surface for many reasons, the damaged Cottonmouth won over my sympathy as the story unfolded. He, after all, was only human. A frightened, tormented, lonely one at that. Cottonmouth may have been the obvious antagonist, but he was far from the worst. His actions, while twisted, were understandable. It was Dark Rain that had earned herself the title of the being irredeemable all the way through the book, almost to a fault. And though she may never have had a direct hand in all the events that seemed to stack against the War Leader and the Lightning Boy, she definitely never considered any other interest than her own, and none of the obstacles would have been possible without her. It took little to provoke her to hand her own son over to what should have been certain death. Overall, the book was well written. Vivid detail carried you through the slower lulls that are in every story. It was rich with knowledge of war, hunting, passion and the overall lives the first North Americans may have led. Would I recommend this book? Absolutely! Even if it pales in comparison to some of the other books in series, it still shines like the lightning birds who soared in the skies over Standing Hollow Horn. ...more

As the legends go, the 4 shining eagles that hold back brother breathe maker are getting weak and one day a white lightning boy will shoot them down, unleashing destruction on the beaches of ancient Florida. Well that day has finally come to those in the Heartwood Clan. Pondwader, the gawky 15 year old white lightning boy, walks among them, hoping and praying he is not the boy the legends tell of. Pondwader dares not tell his clan what he feels in his chest or of the visions of Turtle Bone DollAs the legends go, the 4 shining eagles that hold back brother breathe maker are getting weak and one day a white lightning boy will shoot them down, unleashing destruction on the beaches of ancient Florida. Well that day has finally come to those in the Heartwood Clan. Pondwader, the gawky 15 year old white lightning boy, walks among them, hoping and praying he is not the boy the legends tell of. Pondwader dares not tell his clan what he feels in his chest or of the visions of Turtle Bone Doll dancing in his dreams. Meanwhile the famed warrior Musselwhite of the Windy Cove Clan is mourning the loss of her husband, believed to be killed in the latest attack by Standing Hollow Horn Clan. After the attack, Musselwhite’s warrior numbers are low, low enough to force the clan to make Musselwhite remarry in order to have more warriors to rely on. The solution? Marry her to Pondwader, which takes care of his clan’s problems with what to do about him. Windy Cove Clan gets more warriors to defend themselves against Cottonmouth, the revengeful leader of the Standing Hollow Horn Clan and also Musselwhite’s former lover. Cottonmouth is bent on destroying Musselwhite and everything she holds dear, including their son dead these past 25 years. After the marriage celebration, the new couple travel back to Musselwhite’s village. Along the way though, they meet an old soul dancer, Dogtooth, who reveals to Pondwader that Musselwhite will be making a journey soon and he has to be at her side no matter what. Even more frightening is the fact that Pondwader’s soul told Dogtooth this information. Eventually the 2 make it back to the village only to learn that Musselwhite’s husband Diver is alive but a captive of Cottonmouth’s. Musselwhite sets off on a journey to save him, Pondwader at her heels, a nuisance to her rescue mission. Little does she know how much she will need Pondwader at her side as she fights to save Diver, a pawn in the struggle between good and evil. With Turtle Bone Doll guiding Pondwader in the ways of power, will he dream the legends true, shooting the shining eagles down? This tale, told from the view of an elder who lived through the horrors of the attacks by Cottonmouth and the awesome skills of Musselwhite and beheld the powers of Pondwader, leaves you hanging on to every word, the story in the hanging in the balance of power. ...more

Very well written book which was hard for me to put down. Pondwater is an albino and becomes White Lightning Boy. Legends predict that Lightning Boy will make Sister Moon bury her face in the clouds and weep falling stars and the winds of destruction will be unleashed. The First American series of books tell in detail the day-to-day life, rituals, ceremonies and skills. There are currently 16 books in this series. I have nearly all the books and have read and re-read them. I learn something newVery well written book which was hard for me to put down. Pondwater is an albino and becomes White Lightning Boy. Legends predict that Lightning Boy will make Sister Moon bury her face in the clouds and weep falling stars and the winds of destruction will be unleashed. The First American series of books tell in detail the day-to-day life, rituals, ceremonies and skills. There are currently 16 books in this series. I have nearly all the books and have read and re-read them. I learn something new every time. Their books are available in hardcover and paperback. Their first book is People of the Wolf and their latest is People of the Blcak Sun

Both authors are archeologists who study prehistoric American peoples. Both authors teach at universities. Each author has written many books as well. W. Michael Gear is State Archeologist for Colorado.

Tracing the imagined lives of Native Americans approximately 5000 years ago in the Florida region this tales the tale of a 'lightning boy' an albino boy marked with special powers. He is thrown into the conflict between two warring communities and unwittingly draws the central people to the final confrontation acting as a lightning rod of sorts.

Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear's works on early Native Americans is full of historic detail that is interesting and informative and reveals their great kTracing the imagined lives of Native Americans approximately 5000 years ago in the Florida region this tales the tale of a 'lightning boy' an albino boy marked with special powers. He is thrown into the conflict between two warring communities and unwittingly draws the central people to the final confrontation acting as a lightning rod of sorts.

Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear's works on early Native Americans is full of historic detail that is interesting and informative and reveals their great knowledge and research on the subject. I read this purely for that and not for any literary merits since the plotting and dialogue can be clumsy and tedious at times. ...more

This was a good story, with some major points that irritated me. Primarily the thought that thousands of years ago a woman would be trim and fit and sexually attractive to a young teen, when she herself was in her 40s, let alone willing to marry him with all that entails. Ugh.

I would have liked to have seen more about the people than the main characters, simply because of the information that would be available. I enjoyed reading the interpretation of the burial rites, and the true depiction ofThis was a good story, with some major points that irritated me. Primarily the thought that thousands of years ago a woman would be trim and fit and sexually attractive to a young teen, when she herself was in her 40s, let alone willing to marry him with all that entails. Ugh.

I would have liked to have seen more about the people than the main characters, simply because of the information that would be available. I enjoyed reading the interpretation of the burial rites, and the true depiction of the madness of one of the main characters was well done.

The Gears really can do no wrong. Brilliant world-building, this time set in pre-history Florida, conjures a mystical and multifarious pre-colonization America and the fascinating cultures of indigenous tribes. Rather than writing historical fiction of Native American tribes, the Gears use extensive anthropological research to create absorbing stories that are informed and molded after the beautiful and exceptional cultures they study. Elements of magic and sublime wonder abound which creates anThe Gears really can do no wrong. Brilliant world-building, this time set in pre-history Florida, conjures a mystical and multifarious pre-colonization America and the fascinating cultures of indigenous tribes. Rather than writing historical fiction of Native American tribes, the Gears use extensive anthropological research to create absorbing stories that are informed and molded after the beautiful and exceptional cultures they study. Elements of magic and sublime wonder abound which creates an inimitable storytelling background for a diverse cast of characters....more

First book of the series I have read, and it's interesting enough that I wouldn't mind reading the others in the series. The beginning of the book, set in the "present,"didn't really seem to fit with the rest of the tale, but the rest of it flows smoothly. The characters are fleshed out well, and you get to empathize with what many of the characters are experiencing. A slight letdown at the end, but overall a good read.

Featuring complicated characters, relationships, and mythology, the plot of this book moves quickly and absorbingly. It certainly has more of a plot than the Clan of the Cave Bear books which are also based on archeology. This book was delightful and I highly recommend it. So much so that I am bound for Amazon to get more books in this series.

the story of an albino boy called pondwader, and his clan, and the acceptance process of becoming a dreamer and finding his place within his clan and the universe, people of the lightning is an interesting look at pre-historic indian culture and life.well written and easy to read.

What a great way to learn all about native life before Europeans came! The story is compelling and told very visually, with all the details of daily life and special occasions, such as celebrations and warpath behaviors.

My professional life began in the dark basement of the Museum of Cultural History in Los Angeles, where I was cataloguing three-hundred-year-old Guatemalan saint carvings. I quit this fascinating job and moved to Wyoming to work for the U.S. Department of the Interior as a historian and archaeologist. When I finally understood the error of my ways I moved to Wyoming and started writing books. SincMy professional life began in the dark basement of the Museum of Cultural History in Los Angeles, where I was cataloguing three-hundred-year-old Guatemalan saint carvings. I quit this fascinating job and moved to Wyoming to work for the U.S. Department of the Interior as a historian and archaeologist. When I finally understood the error of my ways I moved to Wyoming and started writing books. Since then, I've authored or co-authored 54 novels and around 200 non-fiction publications.

I love writing. And buffalo. And hiking the wilds of Wyoming's backcountry.

I'm married (until he comes to his senses) to W. Michael Gear, the novelist and my co-author, and we live at the edge of the Wind River Indian Reservation in the Owl Creek mountains of Wyoming. We're contented watching buffalo and writing books.